The next day in Taal, Batangas, man, the church is not just big, it is huge. Its columns are massive and the interiors are but grand. It is the biggest catholic church in the country and the whole of Asia. Fascinating!

architectural details of the basilica

Interior of Taal Basilica

I rarely go to church. But every time I do, I get even more fascinated with them, especially old catholic churches with all the grandeur of their architectural built. Basilica de San Martin de Tours, or simply Taal Basilica, is one gigantic old splendor standing proud in the midst of the time warp town of Taal.

Basilica de San Martin de Tours, the biggest Catholic Church in Asia

Taal Basilica door

The town itself is interesting. Walking around town, I felt like we have been transported back in the old times as we pass by a number of ancestral houses, the likes of those old houses I’ve seen in Las Casas Filipinas in Bataan. The difference is the authentic feel of the exquisite past of the town, not just an ambiance. It is admirable that this sleepy town, which I never knew keeps the biggest church in the country, has been able to preserve their heritage over the years.

Around Taal Town

Marcela Agoncillo Ancestral House

Taaleños, also, are one of the warmest locals we’ve encountered on the road. The kids and ladies looking out from their old capiz windows flash their sweetest smiles as we were passing by, as if they knew we are not from around town and they are warmly welcoming us. Very Filipino.

Panutsa, one of Taal Town’s delicacies

Caysasay Shrine

Waking up at 1AM for the long road trip from Subic to Batangas for a heritage tour is all worth it. 🙂

We all need a breather, especially when we just had enough of toxic workloads, stressful situations, and disagreeable relationships. We all need to de-clutter some messy parts of our lives once in a while, so that we can take a clearer view of where we are heading.

Talk about a great place to have a breather? Consider Caleruega in Nasugbu, Batangas, right after Tagaytay. The place is generally quaint, peaceful and charming. I learned about Caleruega one boring afternoon while Googling. And because I thought I, too, needed a break, we hit the road to Nasugbu.

The Brick Church of Caleruega

A neatly designed fountain in the middle of bricked grounds welcomed us as we entered the gates.

Caleruega is actually a popular retreat place and a pretty popular choice for weddings, too.

Caleruega

Inside Caleruega is the elegant grand staircase.The design of the staircase is symbolic of fertility. The staircase resembles a woman’s oviduct and the fountain behind it symbolizes the overflowing manhood of a man.

The Grand Staircase of Caleruega

The grounds of Caleruega is made more beautiful by bermuda grass carpeting the floor, flowers, pine trees and stained-glass lanterns everywhere.

aesthetic details all over Caleruega

Even the walkways are detailed with brick pathways.

Although it’s very quiet, you’ll never get bored in Caleruega, there’s a lot to see. The place seems inviting anyone to linger for quite a while and ponder on some thoughts we didn’t even have time to entertain before.

A few steps more and we reached the elegant brick church, the Transfiguration Chapel.

a brick church amidst colorful bushes—imagine fairy tale castles

The brick church is surrounded by pine trees and colorful bushes. Hello fresh and cool air!

In front of the chapel is a sculpture of the transfiguration scene in the bible.

very dramatic masterpiece

Thy will be done.

The place is vast, clean, well-maintained and beautifully landscaped. You can choose a spot to sit, think and just be and no one will bother you.

This is the view from the top of one of their retreat houses.

And from here, you’ll see these sight to behold:

Not really that far from this lovely view is the hanging bridge and the koi pond.

walkway at the Koi Pond area

The pond(s) are beautifully made.

Large kois, about the size of a milk fish we love to grill when on the beach ;p

man made mini falls

the koi pond area: lovers’ favorite spot the day we were there

A little farther from the koi pond area is the hanging bridge.

This is my favorite spot.

At the end of the bridge, these big mango trees will offer you some shade to rest.

manggahan

Where have all the flowers gone? Here you go:

Caleruega beauties

more Caleruega beauties

Talk about aesthetics:

Close to nature, closer to God.. a little closer to yourself too.

Inside the souvenir shop

It is really a relaxing place, ideal for group or even individual retreats. They have retreat houses for big groups and also for solo retreats.

A little trivia: the Transfiguration Chapel is where Kris Aquino and Wendell Ramos got married in a scene in the movie, Sukob.

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About the Author

She is a daring child of the world and a student of life; usually a wallflower in a crowd but a confidante for friends; behind a desk on weekdays and an explorer on weekends.

She is a dreamer and a believer of her dreams. It surprises her that she learns the most important (and interesting) lessons in life whenever she's off to unfamiliar places. She is in love with life and good light.

In this corner of the world wide web is where she keeps her personal collection of memories, places, thoughts, dreams and life's sweet treats. :)

*Photos and content posted in this personal blog are original works of Jacky Barnayha. The author holds all the rights of all photographs herein. Do not use the images without permission.